Exploring Angkor Thom – Bayon & Ta Prohm
After our sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, we returned to our hotel for a late breakfast. After breakfast and a short rest. We headed out to Angkor Thom, the old Angkor City.
The entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Thom is via a bridge across a moat, typical of the ancient city defense. Along the bridge are stone carved figurines.
Within the city of Angkor Thom are many temples and palaces. One of the must See temple is Bayon.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.
Baphuon & the Palace
Next temple was Baphuon temple. The Baphuon is the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II. The sandstone monument that is dedicated to Shiva is in the shape of a stepped pyramid.
Lin walked us through a wooden area with several small temple ruins in the palace area. The place was quiet and rustic, perfect backdrop for a fashion spread! Alan have DH some tips with me as a model. It was fun.
Ta Prohm
We had deliberately planned our visit to Ta Prohm in the late afternoon to capture the evening light for best photography.
Ta Prohm is the site where the movie Tomb Raider was filmed. Trees have grown over the temple and Ta Prohm’s state of ruin is what makes it mystical and beautiful. It has been left untouched by archaeologists except for the clearing of a path for visitors and structural strengthening to stave of further deterioration.
Lim brought us to the quiet sections of Ta Prohm brought us to a quite and peaceful courtyard away from the crowds. The courtyard presented beautiful photo ops. Alan guides our cameras to capture the reflection of light on the temple walls. Wow!
The evening lighting gave a soft glow to the temple. So glad that we came at this time of the day. It is beautiful and wrapped up a great day of temple exploration for us.
Next up : Tonle Sap & the Floating Village Community